{"id":1207,"date":"2024-06-11T13:29:27","date_gmt":"2024-06-11T05:29:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ukraine.photovoiceproject.com.au\/?page_id=1207"},"modified":"2024-06-11T14:22:53","modified_gmt":"2024-06-11T06:22:53","slug":"project-launch","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.ukraine.photovoiceproject.com.au\/uk\/project-launch\/","title":{"rendered":"Project Launch"},"content":{"rendered":"

On the 10th<\/sup> of April 2024, we had a successful Community Report Launch for this Photovoice Project at John Curtin Gallery, Curtin University. There were 86 attendees at the event, including 18 displaced people (DPs) from Ukraine and special guest of honour Senator Zaneta Mascarenhas – Federal Member of Parliament for Swan. Professor Jaya Dantas acted as Master of Ceremonies and Dr Tetiana Bogachenko delivered a short speech about the project and its significance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Four participants and two of their family members provided a short reflection on their experiences of fleeing the war, settling in Western Australia, and the photographs developed as a part of the project. Ms Zaneta Mascarenhas said a few words of appreciation and relevance of the project to the community. Another highlight of the evening was the Echoes of Ukraine choir performing several songs, with Ms Marta Osoba-Buttrose introducing the choir and explaining the background and content of the songs. The event ended with food and networking opportunities for the community to share with one another to learn more about the DPs\u2019 experiences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Launch Photos<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Ms Zaneta Mascarenhas (Left), Professor Jaya Dantas (Middle) and Dr Tetiana Bogachenko (Right) launching the community report<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Research Team facilitating the Ukrainian Community Report Launch, along with Ms Zaneta Mascarenhas (Right 3)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Ms Zaneta Mascarenhas (Left) presenting participants and choir members with a souvenir as an expression of gratitude<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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DPs who shared their reflections along with Professor Jaya Dantas (Left 1) and Dr Tetiana Bogachenko (Left 2)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Dr Tetiana Bogachenko providing an overview
of the project, including the background,
methodology, and findings <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Professor Jaya Dantas as the Master of
Ceremonies for the event<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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One of the DPs sharing the significance and stories
behind the photo he captured<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Moving songs from the Echoes of Ukraine choir presentation<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Group photo with the Echoes of Ukraine choir. Dr Tetiana Bogachenko (Left 1), Professor Jaya Dantas (Left 2), Ms Marta Osoba-Buttrose (Left 6, Front row), Ms Zaneta Mascarenhas (Right 6 \u2013 Front row), and Conductor of Echoes of Ukraine choir (Right 1)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Comments from Attendees<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe event was not only a celebration of the Ukrainian community’s strength and resilience but also a profound reminder of how storytelling can be a powerful tool in healing and uniting people. The stories shared last night, accompanied by compelling visuals, showcased the Ukrainian people’s strong spirit and highlighted the critical role of community and solidarity in overcoming hardships. \u201cThank you both for your dedication to this important project and for creating an event that did so much more than launch a report; it created a space for connection, reflection, and shared humanity.\u201d – Attendee from a multicultural community organisation<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHuge congratulations on the event last Wednesday! Personally, I am truly inspired, especially by the voices (including songs) of Ukrainian DPs being shared that night.\u201d – Research assistant attendee from Curtin University<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cFor me, this was quite a moving event, and dare I say brought some serious tears to my eyes.\u201d – Academic attendee from Curtin University<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt was a great event and I enjoyed it very much. I was crying when they singing. I\u2019m sure singing make them feel better after the war experience. Well done this Ukrainian project\u201d – Research assistant attendee from Curtin University<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhat an amazing project- giving people hope and belonging in privileging their experiences\u201d – Academic attendee from Murdoch University<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Policy Recommendations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

1) Less complex visa processes and certainty regarding the future<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2) Understanding challenges faced by displaced persons during an ongoing war<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3) Understanding that conflict in countries has historical roots<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4) A complete up-to-date list of all supports available in Australia and targeted support with employment<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5) The need for timely and tailored health care and psychological support for displaced persons<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6) Providing opportunities for displaced persons to interact, socialise, and support each other to facilitate such tailored social, emotional, and psychological support<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Community Report<\/h3>\n\n\n\n